Mr. SHS contestants working to help those in need

For the 10 young men vying for the Mr. SHS title on Saturday, March 22, their efforts are about the children who will be helped…not winning the crown.

Erik Maldonado

Erik Maldonado is one of the Sunnyside High School students competing in the pageant on March 22.

He is the son of Elidia and Jacinto Maldonado, and has two sisters and a brother.

Maldonado said he wants to be Mr. SHS because he believes it is an honor to serve his school. However, he said, he wanted to help raise funds for Children’s Village so that young children with disabilities and illnesses will continue to receive services.

“I felt the process would be fun,” he said of the many fundraisers held throughout the two months preceding the Mr. SHS Pageant.

Maldonado is a firm believer in supporting others. He said that is because his mother has supported him in his various endeavors. “I don’t thank her as much as I should,” he said.

He said he has enjoyed being a part of the unique group of students vying for the Mr. SHS crown.

Maldonado’s one characteristic that makes him stand out? “I take everything in stride.”

Ivan Iniguez

Ivan Iniguez, the son of Judy Ramos and Rafael Iniguez, said he has been more concerned with the fundraising aspect of the Mr. SHS Pageant than he has been about the crown.

“I believe it is important to help the children served by Children’s Village,” he said.

Iniguez has three sisters and a brother. His brother has received services provided by Children’s Village.

“I feel good about the fact that the money we have raised will help children like my brother,” said Iniguez.

When he is not busy with the Mr. SHS Pageant and other school activities, he said he enjoys working out at the gym, as well as playing video games with his brother, niece and nephew.

Iniguez said he is a good listener and enjoys doling out advice when asked to do so. “I am slow to judge others,” he said.

Elijah Pena

Elijah Pena has wanted to be a part of the Mr. SHS Pageant for many years. He said he first attended the pageant when he was a seventh grader.

That experience inspired him because he realized the teens competing on stage were doing something that would benefit children like himself.

Pena, the son of Chrissa and Dominic Pena, has two sisters and a brother. He was born with a cleft palate. Children’s Village helped him, providing medical support and services throughout his childhood.

“Being a part of Mr. SHS is a way to give back,” he said.

Although Pena believes “…it would be cool to be named Mr. SHS,” he said it is more important to be a part of the bigger picture.

His history and experiences have inspired him to pursue a career as an athletic trainer following high school.

Pena said he would like to return to Sunnyside to serve student athletes in that capacity.

Ethan Partch

Ethan Partch is the son of Jim and Sarah Partch. He is also the youngest of two boys.

Partch said he doesn’t expect to win the Mr. SHS crown, but feels the opportunity to participate in the program was “…a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

He nearly didn’t participate, but friends who competed for the title before shared their experiences. The stories they told sparked his interest.

Partch said he has enjoyed the experience so far and he particularly enjoyed visiting Children’s Village, seeing how the funds being raised will be utilized.

“This is a chance to give back to others,” he said.

It is also an opportunity to spend time with friends, getting to know people he may not have otherwise known.

Partch said the bond between the candidates is stronger. “We are much, much more familiar with one another.”

To describe himself, he uses the words friendly, outgoing and rooted.

All of those attributes, said other candidates, make Partch fun to be around.

Ben Montelongo

Ben Montelongo said he has always enjoyed being involved in the community and activities that benefit others.

That’s why he was eager to take advantage of the opportunity to join the candidates for Mr. SHS when he learned he was nominated.

“This is another opportunity to help someone else,” said Montelongo.

Typically a quiet young man, he comes out of his shell when working toward a goal that he believes in. Helping Children’s Village is one of those opportunities.

Montelongo said he believes in the organization because it doesn’t just support the children, but the families benefit from Children’s Village services, as well.

“They help families that might not otherwise have the support they need,” said Montelongo.

Having a desire to help others extends beyond his present pursuits. Montelongo has been accepted to Washington State University and plans to pursue a degree in psychology.

“I like to listen, give advice and help others…I enjoy being a problem-solver,” he said.

The person who has most influenced him is his mother, Janie Ozuna. “She is selfless and independent…she has an unwavering strength,” said Montelongo, who also has an older sister.

Kurtis Tramel

Kurtis Tramel is following in the footsteps of his two older brothers, having learned the importance of YouthWorks and the effort to help Children’s Village via their experiences serving as Mr. SHS contestants.

Tramel said Mr. SHS is a worthy title, but “…it’s more about helping others.”